Hotel Dengan spa di Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

We stayed here for a family trip over Children's Day in May. Banyan Tree is such a renowned brand even in Korea, so I had high expectations when I booked our stay. However, we were hoping for a mountain view, but instead, we got a cemetery view – and on a dark, rainy night, it was quite enough to give us nightmares. If you're looking for a relaxing experience, like soaking in a Japanese cypress (hinoki) bathtub, you'll be satisfied, but I have to say the view was extremely disappointing. On the positive side, the Japanese tatami room vibe was very pleasing, and the aroma oil program at the spa was really interesting.

Our experience at Six Senses Kyoto was truly wonderful. As a new hotel opened in 2024, it exudes an elegant Japanese Zen style, and the public courtyard is particularly photogenic. The room was spacious enough at 42 square meters, and the attention to detail was impeccable. The breakfast selection was rich, offering both local Kyoto flavors and Western options, and the quality of the food was excellent. Its location isn't far from Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it very convenient for sightseeing. The only slight downside is that it's a bit of a distance from the subway, so I'd recommend taking a taxi for getting around. The service was meticulous and attentive, making for a very relaxing stay overall, perfect for those looking to slow down and enjoy a holiday.

The cleaning staff was extremely friendly and helpful, which I really appreciated. Complimentary water and coffee at the reception were also a nice touch. The location of the hotel is good, and the bathroom was modern and very clean. Unfortunately, the sleeping area of the room was not very clean, which affected the overall impression. Also, the bed is only made every three days, which I personally found inconvenient for a hotel stay. The reception staff, on the other hand, did not seem particularly friendly or welcoming. Overall, the stay was okay, but there is definitely room for improvement regarding service and room cleanliness.

This traditional onsen hotel is very spacious, and the rooms are also quite large, maintaining the charm of a classic hotel. The hot spring baths are incredibly comfortable, and the breakfast is abundant (especially the freshly baked French croissants, served warm, which I paired with red bean paste and cheese – absolutely heavenly, I had three and still wanted more!). The polite service from the staff was truly delightful. Most of the guests were ********* tour groups and Japanese independent travelers. If you're visiting Miyazu, this is definitely the onsen hotel to choose; it's an unparalleled option for great value for money.

This branded hotel in Kyoto offers great value for money. Kyoto is home to many luxury hotels like Aman, Capella, and Park Hyatt, which can be quite pricey and are better suited for a staycation to truly immerse oneself in Kyoto's culture. For this one-night stay, I chose the Westin. It's a large, established five-star hotel. Although it's older, all the details are still very well-maintained. The hotel is within walking distance of Nanzen-ji Temple, and a short taxi ride to Kawaramachi Shijo and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. There's also a shuttle bus to Kyoto Station every hour at 10 and 40 minutes past, which is very convenient. I booked two rooms and they were assigned next to each other. They even gave us the rooms at 12 PM, and the rooms had balconies. The breakfast was plentiful and excellent, with many freshly prepared dishes. For a hotel of this caliber in Kyoto, the price is truly remarkable.

The location is excellent, just a three-minute walk from the metro station. The rooms are spacious, and the bathroom has a separate shower and toilet. Right across from the hotel is the Culture Museum, which is housed in a beautiful old building itself. Downstairs, there are bars and restaurants with good food. Shin-Puh-Kan Hall and BAL are also within walking distance.

I love how clean the hotel is. The interior room design and the advanced toilets were all brilliant. My family and I got the triple room (with 3 beds) and it did not feel cramped at all. The air conditioning and lighting as well as alarms could all be controlled through their iPad. They have daily room cleaning and metal bottles, tea bags, mugs, kettles and a blow dryer. The hotel is also in the downtown location, very convenient to get to popular places. Lastly I love how eco friendly the hotel seems. I am a person who loves to prioritize green. This hotel seems to as well. If I ever come back to Kyoto, I will choose this again.

A Truly Exceptional Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Our family had a wonderful experience at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, and we left with nothing but gratitude and happy memories. From the moment we arrived, the service was flawless and heartfelt — the kind of genuine hospitality that makes a trip feel truly special. A huge thank you to Cecilia and Vinnie from the Guest Experience team, who went above and beyond to make our stay seamless and comfortable. Their warmth, attentiveness, and thoughtful gestures made us feel incredibly welcomed. A very special shout-out to Cecilia, who noticed my daughter’s love for Winnie the Pooh after our visit to Disneyland Resort. She prepared a beautiful card, a sweet message, and even a handmade Pooh origami and placed it in our room. It absolutely made our daughter’s day — such a thoughtful touch we will never forget. We also want to commend Yuki from the restaurant team for his warm and wonderful breakfast service each morning. His kindness and attention to detail set the perfect tone to start our day. The Ritz Kids adventure passport was a delightful surprise — engaging not only for our daughter but also enjoyable for us as parents. And of course, we loved the festive Christmas atmosphere, especially the beautiful Christmas tree and the amazing gingerbread house with the incredible aroma that filled the lobby. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto truly exceeded our expectations in every way. We felt cared for, welcomed, and genuinely appreciated. We can’t wait to return again. Highly recommended for families and anyone seeking an unforgettable Kyoto stay.

The hotel is tucked away in a lively area, and I had a fantastic three-night stay here. 1. The service was incredibly responsive, and all the staff were wonderfully warm and friendly. 2. The room's bedding was comfortable, and it was so quiet I fell asleep instantly on the first two nights, haha! (Though the pillows are quite soft, so guests with neck issues might need to request a different one.) The cleanliness was impeccable, very friendly for germaphobes. 3. The breakfast selection wasn't vast, but the taste was good, leaning towards a refined, small-scale type of meal. I'd give it about a 6.5 out of 10, with a focus on a European-Thai fusion flavor. 4. Local dining options aren't super concentrated; you'll generally need to take a taxi 1-2 km to find food. I highly recommend Kubota Tsukemen, about 20 meters to the left of the hotel! Absolutely delicious! As a carb lover, I adored it! Try to go during off-peak hours, or you'll be waiting in line for a long time.

We had a wonderful stay at Dhawa Yura Kyoto and wouldn't hesitate to stay here again. The location is excellent, right next to Sanjo Station and within easy walking distance of Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Nishiki Market and many of Kyoto's main attractions. It made getting around the city incredibly easy. The hotel itself is modern, stylish and immaculately clean. Our room was spacious and very comfortable, quiet and a welcome place to relax after long days exploring Kyoto in the summer heat. One of the highlights was the breakfast. There was an excellent selection of both Japanese and Western dishes, with fresh fruit, eggs, rice, grilled fish, noodles, miso soup, vegetables, pastries, juices and good coffee and English breakfast tea. Everything was fresh and well presented, and it gave us a great start before our early morning adventures. The staff were consistently warm, welcoming and professional throughout our stay. We particularly appreciated being able to hire bicycles from the hotel, which allowed us to cycle to Kiyomizu-dera at sunrise before the crowds arrived. It became one of the highlights of our entire Japan trip. Overall, Dhawa Yura offered the perfect combination of comfort, service and location. If you're looking for a boutique hotel in Kyoto that's close to everything while still feeling peaceful and relaxing, this is an excellent choice. Highly recommended.